Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Talib Afzal Shah (22) who was neutralized by Government Forces in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday was a post graduate student who had joined militant ranks in 2012. “Talib had completed his Masters Degree in Physical Education from Kashmir University and had vehemently participated in 2008 and 2010 people’s agitation in Kashmir.”My son had been arrested several times on charges of stone-pelting and even after his release the security agencies used to raid our house, always looking for him. He finally decided to join Lashkar-e-Toiba,” said her wailing mother to CNS.
She said last time when security agencies raided her house, she was so agitated that in front of Army officer she set all the educational degrees of Talib on fire. “Time and again security agencies harassed my son and forced him to pick up the gun. I blame them for everything. My son was very intelligent and being religious commanded great respect in the area,” she said.
As the news about the death of Talib spread in the town, hundreds of people from adjoining areas of Kakapora including Patalbagh, Lelhar, Naman, Aloochibagh, Samboora, Hathwara and other areas rushed towards the spot of incident. Since the encounter was going, so security agencies did not allow them to proceed resulting in the violent clashes, that left many protesters injured.In a bid to disperse the protesters government forces bursted several tear-smoke shells and resorted to aerial firing. The situation according to a police official was tense but under control. (CNS)